In this tenth adventure novel in the historical series, following the events of The Privateer's Revenge (Treachery, in Great Britain), Thomas Kydd has been restored to honor and the command of HMS Teazer, but bridles under his assignment to supervise coastal defenses in anticipation of a French invasion. At the same time, Kydd's best friend Nicholas Renzi has been sent to France to try to convince American inventor Robert Fulton to give up trying to interest Napoleon in his new submarine and torpedo, and instead bring them to Britain, where Kydd is expected help Fulton develop and test these "infernal machines." A veteran himself of the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy since the age of 15, Julian Stockwin has always been in love with sailing ships and the sea. His historical adventure series, set in the Napoleonic era, has often been compared to the works of C.S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian.

"Stockwin continues to display his talents in transporting his audience from the 21st century to the chaotic worlds of Kydd, Renzi, and their imperiled homeland."—Historical Novels Review